Worku "Mr. B" Bihonegne

Agawam - Worku “Mr. B” Bihonegne, Beloved Father, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Friend & Godfather. Worku “Mr. B” Bihonegne, 75 years young, returned home and entered eternal rest, peacefully, surrounded by the love and comfort of his son, at home, on April 20, 2023. Worku was one of six siblings, born on June 7, 1947, in Sekota, Ethiopia. He came to America in 1965 at the age of 18 with the help from the late Bob Douyard, a Peace Corps volunteer and beloved family member of the Bihonegne’s. His arrival became national news reaching several states across the county. Worku attended South Hadley high school and quickly began playing soccer, a sport he loved playing in Ethiopia. He was selected to the Schoolboy Soccer All-Star team his senior year before graduating from STCC then Westfield State with his master’s in education. In 1969, he was selected to appear in the 1968-69 edition of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges” in recognition of his merits & accomplishments at STCC. In 1970, he won the New England State College Soccer Championship as a Westfield State student. After college, Worku began his teaching career and the nickname “Mr. B” was officially born, as no one could pronounce his last name correctly. Mr. B was a devoted science teacher and assistant principal at Kiley Middle School for 35 years, receiving numerous awards for his dedication to education and the students. He had a passion for making students feel comfortable and welcomed, while making science and school fun! In his spare time, Mr. B would coach the school’s and his hometown’s soccer teams. He was usually the fastest one on the team! After retiring at the age of 59, his passion for giving back did not stop there, as Worku was often seen helping around his community keeping the area clean & safe. Worku got married in 1984 and was a devoted husband for 39 years. Worku enjoyed reading books, taking photos, bowling, playing soccer, bicycling, taking long walks, gardening, dancing, having long conversations about anything, with anyone who crossed his path, taking trips to the casino for a little Blackjack, but most of all, he loved to spend time with his family and being a father. Worku always tried (and did) make this world a better place, one smile at a time. He was a certified EMT in 1977, an honorary sheriff deputy in 1989, was 21 hours away from obtaining his flying license, his article “Building Body Systems” was published for a national audience in 1997, but his highest achievement was being the best father any child could ask for. He would give you the shoes off his feet if you were in need and would never ask for anything in return. He was truly a remarkable human being and will be missed by many. He is survived by his son Tesfaye, niece Helen and siblings Tsehaynesh, Tadesse and Azebegash. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Mr. B’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy. Thank you, Dad. I love you! Please click the following link to view livestreaming of his services: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4MjU2NjAwOTI0ODI4MSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Worku "Mr. B" Bihonegne

June 7, 1947 - April 20, 2023